A new book titled "Free Money: Bitcoin and the American Monetary Tradition" has been released by investor Benton Howser and another author. The book delves into the history of money and currency in the US, with a focus on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. The authors argue that private money was the main medium of exchange before the establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913 and that the US economy thrived during this time. The book includes historical events such as the Panic of 1907 and the creation of the Federal Reserve. The article also mentions the use of "clearinghouse scrip" during a financial crisis and suggests that government intervention may not always be necessary in stabilizing the banking and money system.